Securing a rank in the coveted UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a dream for many young Indians. This year, amidst thousands of aspirants, one story that stands out is that of Biswajit Panda from Balasore, Odisha. The path Biswajit took to become an officer is evidence of his tenacity, persistent resolve, and his family’s unflinching support.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, he shared his journey and how he combatted the string of failures in his way.
FROM TRIBAL HEARTLANDS TO ENGINEERING DREAMS
Hailing from a government school teacher’s family in Balasore, Biswajit spent a significant part of his childhood in the tribal district of Mayurbhanj, where he did his schooling in a school for the SC/ST Development Department, in which his father taught. After graduating in Electrical Engineering from NIT Rourkela in 2016, Biswajit began his career at Linde India Ltd.
Witnessing firsthand the struggles of people lacking basic necessities like water, electricity, and education ignited a passion for public service within him. This passion was further fueled by his father’s dedication to his students, exemplifying the transformative power of government service. Moreover, inspired by his elder brother, who secured a rank in the IRS in 2015, Biswajit decided to pursue his dream of becoming a civil servant.
“I realized that the government plays a big role in such things. Others are doing their job, but until and unless the government interferes, nothing changes. Civil servants are at the forefront of it all, which made me realize how prominent a role a civil servant can play in making a change in society and the lives of people. That is how I got the idea to become a civil servant,” he told Indian Masterminds.
EMBARKING ON THE UPSC JOURNEY: A SERIES OF TESTS
Biswajit’s UPSC journey commenced in 2017. However, the initial years were marked by both learning curves and setbacks. His first attempt wasn’t entirely dedicated, as he was juggling work and studies. The subsequent year saw a more focused approach, but unfortunately, prelims remained a hurdle.
In 2019, he reached the interview stage, a glimpse of success that fueled his determination. However, he narrowly missed the final list. The following year brought disappointment again as he couldn’t clear the Mains.
BECOMING AN OAS OFFICER
Undeterred, Biswajit took the Odisha Civil Services exam in 2020 and secured rank 16, becoming an Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer. While he joined the service, the dream of the UPSC CSE continued to burn bright.
“After failing in 2019, I appeared for CAPF Assistant Commandant, where I secured AIR-32 and was allocated in SSB. I also gave Odisha Public Service Commission’s Odisha Civil Service, where I secured AIR-16,” he shared. He is currently posted as the District Collector of Mayurbhanj.
LEARNING FROM SETBACKS, AIMING FOR THE SUMMIT
Biswajit meticulously analyzed his past attempts. He realized that his initial nervousness and examination anxiety affected his performance in the Mains. He also identified areas in the prelims that needed improvement. With psychology as his optional subject, he honed his writing skills and strategies to tackle exam pressure.
“By 2021, given my 4-time failure, I became resilient and fearless for the exam. So, even the real examination felt like a mock exam to me. This helped me to replicate my performance and knowledge in the exam hall. I did quite well in 2022, according to me. But then there are certain things beyond my control. Maybe that’s the fate for which I could not find my name on the final list,” he shared.
2022 saw him perform well in Mains and the interview but a dip in essay marks led to another heartbreak. However, Biswajit refused to give up. He approached the 2023 prelims with renewed focus and confidence. This time, success embraced him as he secured AIR 343, fulfilling his long-cherished dream.
A DREAM REALIZED, SERVICE AWAITS
Today, Biswajit wears the hat of a Deputy Collector in the Mayurbhanj district, serving the very people whose struggles motivated him throughout his UPSC journey.
“After failing the exam five times and finally succeeding in my last and final attempt, I believe there is a pattern in everything. There is also a luck factor involved, but I should focus on the controllable, and leave the uncontrollable to destiny. That’s what I have done through my successive attempts: accept my failure or reward gracefully and make any improvements, if possible,” he shared.
TIP FOR ASPIRANTS
He wishes to tell the upcoming aspirants that, “Civil service is not the end, it’s the means to the end. Always see civil service as a means to bring change to the lives of people in whatever small way, you can. Don’t come in with a preconceived notion. Just accept whatever responsibility comes your way and do complete justice to it.”
As Biswajit embarks on this new chapter, one can be certain that his dedication and passion for public service will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
